US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that the plan to expel Palestinians from Gaza remains under consideration and that Israel will not open the Rafah crossing soon, violating Trump’s ceasefire terms. He emphasized Washington’s priorities as disarming Hamas and retrieving the bodies of Israeli soldiers.
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem issued a firm statement rejecting Christian Zionism and unauthorized claims to represent Christians in the Holy Land, warning such actions mislead the public and endanger community unity. They expressed concern over local and international receptions of such individuals, stating these acts interfere with the pastoral mission of the churches.
A U.S. arm of an Israeli-listed real estate firm finalized a $451 million deal for 5,100 rent-stabilized apartments in New York City, despite local pushback over unresolved code violations and maintenance concerns. The acquisition drew criticism over foreign investment’s impact on U.S. housing markets.
The Trump administration is requesting at least $1 billion from countries seeking permanent membership on a new Peace Board, with Trump as its inaugural chairman holding broad powers. The board will formally launch once three nations sign the charter. Some leaders have been invited to join a Gaza-focused panel within the initiative.
New York City pension funds may reinvest in Israeli government bonds, despite the ongoing genocide in Gaza and apartheid in the occupied West Bank, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s support for divestment. Mamdani repealed prior orders blocking boycott efforts, while CFO Mark Levine emphasized that investment decisions are based solely on performance.
US President Donald Trump has appointed former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to his so-called ‘Board of Peace’ to oversee Gaza’s governance and reconstruction after two years of Israeli genocide. The board also includes Steve Witkoff, Ajay Banga, and Jared Kushner, supervising executive bodies and temporary governance institutions for Gaza.
Israeli authorities ordered the removal of Sheikh Moataz Abu Sneineh, Imam of the Ibrahimi Mosque, and Hammam Abu Markhiya, head of its staff, for 15 days. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf described the move as a dangerous escalation undermining the mosque’s religious significance and restricting worship. The decision is part of a wider policy marginalizing religious and administrative figures at the holy site.
Palestinian journalist Inas Khlawi recounted abuses after being detained for 11 days by Israeli forces over Facebook posts about the martyrdom of Palestinian journalists. She described a violent home raid, physical and verbal abuse, forced strip search, harsh detention conditions, and was later released on a 6,000-shekel bail.
